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Title: Effect of environment upon mechanical behavior of structural ceramics for application in the DOE Ceramic Technology for Advanced Heat Engines Project

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6727123· OSTI ID:6727123

The primary goal of this research was to determine the effect of environment upon toughening and strength in commercially available transformation-toughened ceramics (partially stabilized ZrO{sub 2} (PSZ) and dispersion toughened Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (DTA)). Emphasis was on understanding the mechanism(s) responsible for environmentally induced strength degradation in the temperature range of 25 to 1050{degree}C. Dynamic fatigue techniques (four-point flexural strength as a function of stressing rate) were used in a three-phase plan to investigate fracture strength and slow crack growth in environments containing controlled amounts of water vapor. Similar measurements were also conducted in inert atmospheres (dry N{sub 2}) to distinguish intrinsic effects from environmentally derived effects. In addition, the effects of aging (extended exposure at elevated temperatures and selected atmosphere conditions) on the candidate materials at low temperatures were studied. The activities pursued and the results obtained are described in this report. 40 refs., 53 figs., 22 tabs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Dayton Univ., OH (USA). Research Inst.
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/CE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6727123
Report Number(s):
ORNL/Sub-84-00221/1; ON: DE90014770
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English